It’s hard to believe but the summer is about half over and children will soon be heading back to school. Parents typically make sure that their children get physical examinations, booster shots, and vision and hearing tests before returning to school but they may overlook making dental appointments for checkups before school starts. Dental checkups are an important part of back-to-school healthcare because certain oral diseases such as tooth decay are infectious with no available immunization. Only some states require dental checkups for children returning to school but parents should take their children in for checkups as often as their dentist recommends.
It is important to make sure your child gets regular checkups from the dentist because many children experience dental health problems such as tooth decay or cavities and they are not always vocal about the problem. Over half of children between the ages of 5 and 9 have had at least one cavity and the pain caused by cavities and other oral diseases can lead to problems with eating, talking, and concentrating. By making sure that your child is in good dental health, you can prevent these problems so that your child does better in school.
Preventing Cavities
The best way to prevent cavities and other dental health problems in your children is by scheduling dental checkups regularly and making sure they practice good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important because dentists may discover problems such as cavities and gum disease in their early stages and treat them before they advance to later stages and become more painful. X-rays at the dentist office can help discover hidden tooth decay for treatment and dentists may also apply sealants to their teeth to protect the surface from plaque and bacteria. Practicing good dental hygiene everyday will also help prevent oral health problems and parents should make sure to replace their child’s toothbrush every several months for the most effective brushing.
Before you send your children back to school, make sure they have received a dental checkup along with their other health care requirements. Dental checkups are just as important as physicals and other healthcare checkups and it is important to make sure your child follows good dental hygiene practices to help prevent cavities and oral diseases. Contact your dentist for a recommendation on how often your child should receive a dental checkup.
